REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice presidential candidate KH Ma’ruf Amin admitted he was still active at Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) as a general chairman. His statement came ahead of a routine meeting of leadership council at MUI Central Office, on Tuesday (Sept 18).
Kiai Ma’ruf explained that there was no official decision yet on his status during campaign period which will be started on Sept 23.
According to MUI spokesman, Masduki Baidhowi, the ulema council did not have specific regulation on the matter as it was never been anticipated before. This was the first time ever MUI chairman became vice presidential candidate.
Kiai Ma’ruf position will be determined at MUI national working meeting (Rakernas) in November. In the meeting, the council will set rules on the case if its chairperson becomes a presidential or vice presidential candidate.
“Therefore, MUI needs to immediately set up organizational regulations, what if the general chairman be elected as presidential or vice presidential candidate, or even become president or vice president,” Baidhowi said.
The rules are important to maintain independence of MUI as a forum for all Muslims. Therefore, to anticipate it, Baidhowi admitted that currently MUI had appointed two people who temporarily replace Kiai Ma’ruf position.
“Buya Yunahar Ilyas and Zainut Tauhid as MUI deputy chairpersons have been assigned to replace Kiai Ma'ruf temporarily,” Baidhowi added.
Baidhowi revealed, Kiai Ma’ruf should take a leave for now. In order to maintain MUI's independence, Kiai Ma’ruf status will be confirmed after national working meeting.
Earlier, Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Advisory Council chairman Din Syamsuddin asserted KH Ma’ruf Amin has been inactive as MUI general chairman. According to him, Kiai Ma'ruf was no longer in charge.
Din said Kiai Ma'ruf did what he should. “One of the articles in MUI statute stated that MUI general chairman and secretary may not serve double posts in MUI and politics,” said Din on Wednesday (August 29).
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